How Successful Is 3G REALLY In The UK?

How successful is 3G REALLY in the UK? I'm getting mixed messages about 3G take-up in the UK. On one hand, 3 announce that they have added 3m subscribers (http://www.guardian.co.uk/mobile/article/0,2763,1449689,00.html), and then on the other that Vodafone is thought to have attracted fewer than 200,000 customers in the UK to date (http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,1438432,00.html), and Virgin Mobile have announced that they are pulling back from a a major launch of 3G due to a sensing a lack of interest (http://www.guardian.co.uk/mobile/article/0,2763,1441419,00.html)among subscribers for the new technology.

The mobile operators have spent a small fortune, enough to wipe out the debt of a third world country on launching 3G, and an even bigger fortune on acquiring licences. I was personally part of the Vodafone Live! launch in 2002, so I know that Vodafone have spent more on launching 3G given the extra coverage it has had.

So, despite spending millions launching their services why aren't consumers switching to 3G? Do the operators need to offer cheaper voice minutes to get people to take 3G handsets in the hope that consumers will start to use data services?

Maybe the operators have made a fundamental mistake - there's no point persuading users to upgrade to 3G to make videocalls, only for them to realise they have no one to call! If none of your mates have got a video-calling handset then it's useless.

Until 3G penetration reaches some sort of critical mass then I think users won't get excited about video calling.

Connected runs a blog following developments in the internet and mobile internet sectors. Connected has over 10 years experience in strategy consulting and business development, and has seen and lived through the highs, and the lows of the industry.

Based in London, Connected can be contacted on admin@connectedinternet.co.uk and his blog can be found at http://www.connectedinternet.co.uk



3G Technology

A 'third generation' wireless communications technology having evolved from first... Read More

Camera Cell Phone Video

Camera cell phone video - description.Camera cell phone video is... Read More

Grammy Award Winners Expected to be Heard on Cell Phones Soon

Trends in music come and go, but the crown jewel... Read More

Cell Phone Cameras

A lot of myths exist regarding as to whether the... Read More

Overview of Cellular Phone Carriers

How many times have you heard of people spending hundreds... Read More

Location Sensitivity - Cell Phone GPS

This is basically a system to locate the handheld when... Read More

Camera Cell Phone Sprint

Camera cell phone by Sprint ? offer with a service... Read More

Security of GSM System

IntroductionEvery day millions of people use cellular phones over radio... Read More

The Different Cell Phone Accessories Available

Where do I start? Always start with the essentials. If... Read More

Local Search on Cell Phones will Derail Yellow Page Directory Usage

Local Businesses have Been Slow to Capitalize on Search Engine... Read More

Cell Phone - Why Should I Upgrade

We hear from friends or just general chat by people... Read More

Taking Care of Your Cell Phone Batteries

Picking a new cell phone model and pricing plan is... Read More

Cell Phones Safety - Are They a Risk ?

Cell phones are everywhere and I believe they are here... Read More

Helping You Choose From Cell or Land Line

Most of us have two phones, our cell and our... Read More

Customize Your Cell Phone With Ringtones and Wallpaper

As an important part of your daily life, your cell... Read More

Makes Cell Phones Ring at Airports

International Terrorist and insurgents to detonate bombs to kill innocent... Read More

Review of Bluetooth Wireless Headsets

Bluetooth headsets make up one of the fastest wireless markets... Read More

Have Some Fun With Cell Phone Games

You're never too old to have some fun. With the... Read More

Will Your Cell Phone Work in an Emergency?

If you're one of the millions of cell phone users... Read More

Protective Accessories For Your Cell Phone

Like most electronic devices, cell phones are remarkably fragile. Your... Read More

Selecting a Cell Phone

More Than Just a PhoneSelecting a cell phone is no... Read More

Negotiating a Cell Tower Lease: Getting Help

A recent survey of the FCC's antenna structure registration database... Read More

Heres How Cell Phones Make Your Life Easier

Cell phones, the prepaid ones, are the great way to... Read More

The Convenience Of Prepaid Wireless Service And Phone Cards

Prepaid wireless service and phone cards are a convenient, reliable... Read More

Prevent Phone Monitoring with Digital Spread Spectrum

If you are using an analog cordless or cellular telephone,... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language: